Independent cinemas are offering a fresh alternative to the staid multiplex environment. Aesthetica explores the varied pastimes on offer around the UK.

Sundance is keen to explore new ideas, and this year their New Frontier on Main programme illustrates their commitment to new territories through film.

In Winter 2008, the Royal Academy of Arts opened its doors to challenging and exciting works of art, that question not only the conceptual, but the theoretical.

Shigeyuki Kihara: Living Photographs explores themes of Pacific culture, identity, colonialism, stereotypes and gender roles.

The exploration of immersive art is celebrated in Modern Art Oxford’s multimedia installations from Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller.

A look through the lens: 10 Magnum Photographers’ work goes on display at the Magnum Print Room, which looks at Cuba over the past 50 years.

The Outcast is refreshing and captivating, proving that Jones is an astonishing new voice on the literary scene, and a publishing sensation.

Mashirika theatre company is helping Rwandan communities to unite and international audiences to understand the 1994 genocide through Africa’s Hope.

Saint Dymphna is not easily classifiable, a jarring fusion of electro, 80s techno, African guitar and tribal beats. “We call it Gang Gang. We do our own thing.”

With her striking debut solo album, Laukinis Šuo Dingo released, Alina Orlova is set to make a lasting impression on music fans worldwide.

As the founding member of Gregory and the Hawk, Meredith Godreau is no stranger to self-promotion and the wonders of 21st century marketing.

It’s been a long time since a really cool band has come along that introduces a sound that opens up new possibilities. Fujiya & Miyagi is a wave of joy.

Leeds International Film Festival is the largest annual film festival outside of London and it brings the world of film out of the traditional setting of a cinema.

Gaston Kabore, one of Africa’s premier filmmakers, talks about African cinema, and the politics of representation.

Expanding the form of calligraphy and blending it with contemporary painting, Golnaz Fathi’s renowned style has led to international acclaim.

A new large–scale outdoor installation project at Attingham Park that looks at the fragile relationship between the environment and Man.

The latest art fair to hit the London circuit in 2008, calling in to question the nature of art fairs and redefining standard practice.

A man with several ideas, Roberto Cuoghi has many personalities. His opening show at ICA in Autumn 2008 pushes the boundaries of sound, art and installation.

David Shrigley, the man with all the ideas. His work excites, but also outrages, provokes and evokes. David Shrigley is something of an enigma.

At the age of 17, Faïza Guène wrote her first novel and sold over 360,000 copies. Now, with the release of her second novel, all eyes are on this creative prodigy.